Collision with terrain, 102 km north of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

On 23 October 2006, the Air Safety Investigation Branch (ASIB) of Papua New Guinea notified the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) of an accident that occurred on 20 October 2006, at 1200 Eastern Daylight-saving Time, involving a Bell Helicopter Co Jetranger helicopter, registered P2-HBG, that was piloted by an Australian citizen. The helicopter was reported missing and was subsequently found to have impacted rough terrain approximately 102 km north of Port Moresby. The pilot and three passengers were fatally injured.

The ATSB initially appointed an expert to the investigation into the accident, in accordance with clause 5.27 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

On 6 November 2006, the ASIB requested ATSB assistance to oversight the examination of the helicopter's engine that was to be conducted at an Australian maintenance facility. To assist in that process, it was agreed that the ATSB could appoint an accredited representative, in accordance with Clause 5.23 of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, to participate in the ASIB's investigation.

To protect the information supplied by the ASIB to the ATSB and investigative work undertaken to assist the ASIB, the ATSB initiated an investigation under the Transport Safety Investigation Act 2003. Subsequently, the ASIB advised the ATSB that the engine examination would not be conducted in Australia.

On completion of its investigation, the ASIB of Papua New Guinea will publish the final investigation report regarding the accident.